Ultimate Experience - May 2026

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EPIC AFRICA

the dreamiest safaris

+ C H I L E • S PA I N • A N TA R C T I C A

POINT OF VIEW

Travel That Sparks Wonder During every great journey, there’s a moment that stops you in your tracks.

Maybe it’s at sunrise on safari, when the golden light spills across the Maasai Mara and you realize the landscape is moving—elephants in the distance, a lion’s tail flicking through tall grass. Or perhaps it’s high in Chile’s Atacama Desert, where the evening sky turns the salt flats sherbet-pink and the air is so still, it feels suspended in time.

Travel has a way of rearranging our sense of scale. Big becomes small. Far feels close. And experiences you once only imagined become memories you carry forever. Working with us adds a layer of care and insight that anticipates the details, unlocks access, and lets you fully immerse yourself in the moment.

Each journey we design draws on deep destination knowledge, trusted local connections, and an instinct for adventures that spark wonder. This approach transforms complex travel into a seamless and effortless vacation.

Let this be the beginning. We’ll handle the rest.

Happy Travels!

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SONOMA UNCORKED Wine, wellness, and design converge at Montage Healdsburg.

With its sun-dappled vineyards, winding rivers, and wide-open skies, Sonoma is a welcome respite from the everyday.

An easy pace comes into focus at Montage Healdsburg, where luxury and landscape merge across 250 acres of rolling vineyards and majestic oak trees. The resort’s design embraces its surroundings with bungalow-style guest rooms and suites opening onto expansive outdoor living spaces. Days here are anchored in Sonoma’s winemaking culture: morning yoga among the vines, spa treatments inspired by local botanicals, and curated access to tastings and behind-thescenes experiences with winemakers. Seasonal menus at Hazel Hill restaurant highlight the region’s bounty, paired with carefully selected local varietals. This is where the best of Sonoma comes naturally. Cheers!

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POINT OF VIEW U LT I M AT E E X P E R I E N C E S

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ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES

MAY 2026

CONTENTS

52

F E AT U R E S 52 WHERE THE WILD TEACHES

62 DREAM ESCAPES

70 UNDER SOUTHERN SKIES

BY CASANDRA KARPIAK

BY JEN MURPHY

BY IGNACIO MAZA

Discover what safari reveals about Africa's cultures, communities, and landscapes.

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Checking into four show-stopping stays, from grand dames to island retreats.

A journey through Chile's most extraordinary frontiers.

wow F A C T O R 10 ROOM KEY

Exploring majestic Madrid; seaside stays with IHG Hotels & Resorts; Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is the epitome of baja bliss.

14 VIEW FINDER 12

Celtic adventures with Brendan Vacations; Explora Journeys captures serenity at sea; sailing Germany’s rivers with AmaWaterways; Seabourn invites grand discovery; Adventures

by Disney unlocks VIP access for families.

20 CRUISE GPS

Meet Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship; exploring Asia and its cuisine with Silversea; Crystal’s Cultural Expedition Cruises.

+ beyond 30 NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Oceania Cruises unveils its ninth vessel; Paul Gauguin Cruises captures the spirit of French Polynesia; sailing Central America with PONANT EXPLORATIONS; National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions sees Antarctica like no other.

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36 PASSPORT

62

A special journey into Asia with The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection; the magic of Morocco; Uniworld Boutique River Cruises reveals a new side of Europe; exploring Alaska the Virgin Voyages way; Cunard® sees the world through a cultural lense.

42 DESTINATION GPS

®

Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyages into Northern Europe; Windstar Cruises discovers small-port cities; endless exploration with Celebrity Cruises; Viking provides rare access in Europe.

80 POSTCARD FROM ...

Jazzmine Douse, Senior Director of National Accounts, AmaWaterways.

PROTECT YOUR JOURNEY

Reading the fine print, understanding exclusions, and keeping up with ever-changing requirements is a lot to navigate while also planning a vacation.

That’s where we come in! Contact us and we’ll help determine the right travel insurance policy for you based on who is traveling, the type of vacation you’re taking, and any pre-existing conditions or potential exclusions. We are here to make sure you feel prepared and confident about your upcoming travels.

2 POINT OF VIEW 6 EDITOR’S LETTER 48

7 CONTRIBUTORS

ON THE COVER

Dusk settles over Rwanda at the One&Only Nyungwe House.

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E D I T O R ’ S LETTER

Carpe Diem!

IN our current world, it might be tempting to take it easy and stay close to home. But I believe there’s good reason to do just the opposite. Travel has a way of loosening our collective apprehension and strengthening our connection to the wider world—especially when you work with a seasoned travel advisor who knows which destinations are idyllic, safe, and primed for the ultimate escape. Oftentimes, the vacation that slightly pushes my comfort zone (a bush run through the Maasai Mara, scuba diving the Blue Hole in Belize) are the most memorable.

Within these pages, you’ll discover authors and travel adventurists who feel the same way.

Casandra Karpiak ventures to Africa (page 52) and conquers her fear of coming close to a majestic pride of lions. Once she settles into the rhythm of the bush, she’s able to connect with the unforgettable locals she meets along the way. Awardwinning writer Jen Murphy has coined the “Type 2 Traveler”— referring to those who seek out challenging experiences that become deeply rewarding. The ultimate Type 2 Traveler herself, she also believes in the balance of adventure and luxury, shown with Dream Escapes (page 62), in which she reveals the keys to some of the most jaw-dropping hotels in the world.

Wherever you venture this year, don’t be afraid to take a chance. Afterall, sometimes a little butterfly in the belly leads to the most divine memories.

Happy Summer-ing!

ERIN LENTZ, EDITOR IN CHIEF From top: Scuba diving in Belize; a bush run with a Maasai warrior in Kenya (I’ve never run so fast!).

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CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Erin Lentz CREATIVE DIRECTOR Taylor Chamberlain EDITOR AT LARGE Ignacio Maza MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Merz EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sarah Taylor Asquith

2026 TAG Media. Ultimate Experiences Magazine is published on behalf of Signature Travel Network. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication without publisher’s permission is strictly prohibited. For copies, customer service, or to exhibit or distribute at a business, please inquire at hello@tagmediaco.com.

TAG MEDIA 0133 Prospector Road, Suite 4012R Aspen, CO 81611

Ignacio Maza

Jen Murphy

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

WRITER

As Signature Travel Network’s Senior Advisor, Ignacio Maza has ventured all over the globe. His articles and insights have appeared in The New York Times, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, Luxury Travel Advisor, ASTA Advisor, and more. For this issue of Ultimate Experiences, Ignacio traveled into the heart of Chile, exploring its deserts, mountains, and islands (page 70).

Jen Murphy is a journalist specializing in adventure travel and fitness. She regularly contributes to Outside, the New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure. Her Substack, The Type 2 Traveler, focuses on offthe-beaten-path travel. For this issue of Ultimate Experiences, Jen checked into four of the world’s dreamiest hotels (page 62).

FIELD NOTES:

FIELD NOTES:

Standing in front of the giant Moai statues was a long-held wish fulfilled— Rapa Nui/Easter Island is the Holy Grail of destinations!

Between November and April, you can swim alongside Dominica’s resident sperm whales—it’s one of the few places in the world where you can have this experience.

CURRENTLY UNPACKING FROM: Signature Travel Network is comprised of top-tier travel agencies that share one common objective: serve the personal needs of the discerning traveler. The network’s buying power translates into the ability to leverage worldwide partnerships to provide you the best value and ensure the best service before and during your travels.

This brochure has been produced for the exclusive use of Signature Travel Network member agencies only. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Should an error occur, we reserve the right to correct it. Print Date: May 2026.

I recently sailed the Eastern Caribbean on Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second ship.

Imagine a beautifully designed luxury resort that floats.

UP NEXT: After a long absence, I’m returning to Australia to explore the natural wonders of Tasmania.

FAVORITE SUMMER ESCAPE: A serene beach getaway in the Caribbean.

CURRENTLY UNPACKING FROM: A pinch-me-I’m-dreaming heli-hiking assignment in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

UP NEXT: Alaska and British Columbia for backto-back heli-skiing adventures.

FAVORITE SUMMER ESCAPE: I grew up on the East Coast and I’m a sucker for Maine’s rocky beaches and lobster rolls.

Cruise lines, tour operators, hotels and resorts, airlines, and all other travel service providers regularly access health and safety protocols. Changing health and safely protocols impact current and future offerings. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed within these pages.

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L EG E N DA R Y B U T I N N OVAT I V E, S U M P T U O U S B U T M O D E R N, R EG E N T H O T E L S C O N T I N U E T O R E I M AG I N E L U X U R Y H O S P I TA L I T Y. E X PL O R E E AC H H O T E L A N D H O W I H G O N E R E WA R D S C A N E L E VAT E A N Y T R AV E L E X PE R I E N C E Y O U C A N I M AG I N E.

Regent Hotels & Resorts presents

Uncover

POSSIBILITIES With

CANNES

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New

H O N G KO N G

S A N TA M O N I C A B E AC H

Escapes

TA I P E I

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES MAY 2026

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A luxurious Baha retreat.

19 FAMILY CONNECTION

Culture, ease, and VIP access.

Navigating Venice, Italy's enchanting canals.

22 TASTE OF PLACE

Exploring Asia's culinary stories.

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ROOM KEY

MAJESTIC

MADRID

Royal legacy meets creative energy in the city with the world’s highest concentration of fine arts masterpieces.

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COLORFUL Spanish mercados are bustling. Midday vermouth is flowing. In lively neighborhoods, bar counters overflow with plates of tapas—jamón ibérico and callos a la madrileña. Late into the night, historic tablaos showcase the ever-evolving art of flamenco, the emotional heart of Spanish culture.

There’s much to love about Madrid, and now, more than ever, travelers are increasingly seeking out this city for its fine art masterpieces—what historians consider to be the highest concentration in the world.

Madrid has been influenced by the Spanish monarchy at every level, from architecture to institutions to green spaces. Even today, the city’s culture channels centuries of royal ambition.

A wonderful place to encounter this is in its arts scene.

The Prado is the gravitational center of Madrid’s “Art Triangle.” Built to house Spain’s royal collections, this revered fine arts museum holds an unmatched concentration of Spanish paintings, including works like Diego Velázquez’s influential Las Meninas. Nearby are the court portraits by Francisco Goya, rendered with unsettling psychological clarity, alongside his Black Paintings, created late in life and never intended for public view. The museum’s depth extends outward to Titian, Rubens, and not least, Bosch, whose Garden of Earthly Delights was commissioned for a royal palace and today remains one of art history’s most studied works.

Where the Prado chronicles royal Spain, the Reina Sofía captures its rupture with Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, and showcases this ancient European power wrestling with modernity in the work of Dalí and Miró. Completing the triangle is the Thyssen-Bornemisza, drawing from a onceprivate collection acquired by the Spanish state that spans early Renaissance to American modernism. Next door, the Galería de las Colecciones Reales extends this story, with monarch-commissioned tapestries and carriages displayed beside Europe’s largest Royal Palace.

Still, Madrid’s arts culture is most alive in the workshops, galleries, and artists’ rooftop terraces in creativity-rich neighborhoods like Malasaña, Letras, Lavapiés, and Las Salesas, where tradition intersects with warm, welcoming daily life. — alexandra marvar

Spanish Splendors. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29870 to discover Madrid, or call or email us for enriching experiences in the region.

Opposite: The Royal Palace of Madrid. From top: The Cibeles Fountain at Plaza de Cibeles; inside the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales.

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COASTAL VIEWS From Hong Kong to the French Riviera, seaside stays with IHG Hotels & Resorts bring fresh perspectives.

OCEAN retreats have always promised a view. But at IHG Hotels & Resorts, the Regent collection of resorts respond to the water itself— through architecture, design, cuisine, ideologies—celebrating the ocean in its natural state: restless in Hong Kong, expansive in Santa Monica, ceremonial in Cannes. Here are three ways Regent’s seaside stays are done differently.

SAND & SURF IN SANTA MONICA. On the edge of the Pacific, Regent Santa Monica Beach is airy and bright. Steps from the sand, this escape is built around sunlight, salt air, and California’s laid-back culture. The design direction, led by designer Chantell Walsh, brings the ocean’s natural beauty indoors with creative details reflecting boat sails and yacht-style flooring. At this resort, barefoot luxury is reimagined with Regent’s polish, and rooms are designed to dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. The space itself encourages beach walks and open-air dining.

HARBORSIDE IN HONG KONG. Overlooking Victoria Harbour, the Regent Hong Kong is less about the sand and more about the scale and spectacle of a bustling urban port. Designer Chi Wing Lo created a visual language integrating storied heritage with serene aesthetics, where “framed views” of the harbor take center stage. Here, the sea isn’t a place to escape the city as much as a way to step back from it: Low-slung seating and floor-to-ceiling glass allow guests to take in one of the world’s most animated waterfronts as if watching a show. But the energy stays at a carefully calibrated distance, with the sanctuary of oasis bathrooms and the infinity-edge pool.

COASTAL IN CÔTE D’AZUR. The Carlton Cannes anchors the famous Avenue La Croisette with old-world majesty. A two-year, grand-scale renovation skillfully preserved the hotel’s legendary Belle Époque façade, resulting in what revered French designer Tristan Auer aspired to create: a “masterpiece of modern times.” Auer was inspired by the place’s spirit, sweetness, and sumptuousness, and “the changing colors of the Mediterranean coastline as well as the mesmerizing movements of the sea breeze.” Private sunbathing decks embrace leisure as a timehonored local tradition. — alexandra marvar

Retreat to the Sea. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29871 for serene ocean stays, or call or email us to discover more.

From top: Orla restaurant at Regent Santa Monica Beach; pool meets harbor meets skyline at Regent Hong Kong; morning views from a seaside suite at Carlton Cannes.

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East Meets West At Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Japanese minimalism and Mexican heritage beautifully come together.

ON the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos offers a distinct perspective on luxury in a destination known for standout stays. Since opening in 2019, the property has differentiated itself through a thoughtful blend of Japanese design and cuisine, Mexican heritage and artistry, and guidance from knowledgeable local ambassadors. The brand—founded by Japanese chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and producer Meir Teper—is recognized for creating bespoke hotels that express a strong sense of place. Here’s how the 200room retreat connects guests to the culture and desert-meets-sea landscape of Baja California Sur. THE DESIGN. Low-profile architecture, natural stone, and muted tones of rust and slate blue echo the surrounding desert and Pacific waters. The secluded setting along the peninsula’s southernmost edge hugs turquoise sea and golden sand, while multiple open-air spaces invite warm sunlight and salty breezes.

Through the On Exhibition program, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos presents contemporary artwork, often with a focus on pieces by Mexican artists.

Meanwhile, Nami Champagne Bar is an exclusive beach club by Krug Champagne. Overlooking the Los Cabos shoreline, fresh seafood is paired with, naturally, champagne spritzes.

THE EXPERIENCES. The property’s agave masterclass explores the traditions, terroir, and craftsmanship behind Mexico’s iconic agave-based spirits. Hosted by tequila specialist Ana Martinez, the refined tasting spotlights sought-after tequilas and mezcals while examining the nuances between such varieties as añejo and reposado.

THE ADVENTURES. Guests should save a day to venture beyond the resort’s lovely pools and explore the surrounding region. The Nobu Los Cabos team can arrange thoughtful outings, from a private catamaran charter during whale season (January through March) to a guided hike or a Polaris ATV excursion in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. — jen murphy Baja Bliss. Experience true luxury with Travel Impressions by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29868, or call or email us to plan your stay.

From top: The resort's serene courtyard leads to the sea; locally sourced seafood at Nobu Los Cabos.

THE FOOD. In addition to Nobu Los Cabos, where guests can experience signature dishes like black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi, the property features eight restaurants and bars, each highlighting locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. At Pacific, the hotel’s Mexican restaurant, regional specialties include Baja clams and roasted Mayan octopus, combining the tastes of two seas.

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CELTIC MOMENTS Locally guided journeys with Brendan Vacations create authentic experiences.

IF you ask someone who’s been to Northern Ireland about what experience stayed with them, they might tell you about the wind at the Giant’s Causeway. It’s constant, whipping in sideways from the North Atlantic, churning the sea into a frenzy. The sound of pounding waves is audible before you can even see the basalt stone columns—40,000 of them, marvelously architectural but entirely natural, appearing to step down into the sea.

This eerily precise stone geometry all but demands to be explained through myth or lore. Taking it in with a local storyteller who grew up hearing the tales of Irish folk hero Finn McCool, you get the benefit of hearing how it’s told amongst friends: with perfectly pronounced names, specific references to local families, and a little twinkle in the eye.

There’s so much Celtic culture to discover in Ireland and Scotland— landscapes, stories, music, dance, cuisine, ancient castles, and archaeological sites—and travelers have the unique opportunity to dig deep with Brendan Vacations, which has been curating journeys to the region for more than 50 years.

Along Ireland's coast, join small-group seaweed foraging sessions led by locals who still harvest by hand. Inland, they learn salmon smoking directly from smokehouse founders, handling fish while discussing preservation techniques. In Galway, guided food walks weave through markets to meet small producers, connecting dishes to migration patterns, fishing routes, and agricultural traditions that still shape the region.

Distillery visits reveal not just the pour, but the water sources, fermentation processes, and aging decisions that make each whiskey a reflection of place.

Stays in ancient castles bring travelers with Brendan Vacations inside history. These are estates where Irish nobility and Scottish lairds actually lived—their libraries still intact, their falconry carrying forward traditions, and their halls full of stories. Often enough, evenings end in informal storytelling— with historians, musicians, and hosts excited to explain how that history still surfaces in modern life. — alexandra marvar

Sense of Place. Uncover rich culture by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29867, or call or email us for more.

From top: The harbor town of Galway, Ireland; a cold Guinness tastes best in a local pub; the mythical Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.

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Ocean State of Mind Finding serenity at sea with Explora Journeys.

I board EXPLORA II with one goal in mind: to find R&R. From the moment I step into my suite, I know it won’t be difficult. My new home with Explora Journeys feels like a private apartment, with thoughtful details and a generous terrace, where, wrapped snugly in my robe, I start each day with an espresso.

Breakfast arrives as ordered—a Sun Salutation smoothie and avocado toast—and if I wish to truly indulge, I head to Fil Rouge restaurant for Eggs Benedict topped with creamy spinach, yuzu Hollandaise, and Baeri caviar. And of course, I always say yes to the flakiest croissants this side of France.

EXPLORA II winters in the Caribbean, seeking idyllic ports that big ships seldom visit—think St. John, Guadeloupe, Anguilla, Bequia, and Montserrat. Shore excursions reveal each island’s history and culture, but there’s always plenty of time to relax on the beach. Today we’re on our way to Willemstad, Curaçao, where some of us cross the swinging Queen Emma Bridge to visit the Dutch colonial buildings, while others explore the island underwater by reef diving.

Sea days are unhurried yet full of fun activities including cooking classes, team trivia, art workshops, and more, but I’m happiest floating in the infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake.

The ocean-facing whirlpools also beckon, where I gaze into the horizon with champagne in hand. The spa becomes another daily ritual—salt therapy, hydrotherapy pool, then fresh sea air in the outdoor lounge. Rejuvenation comes from morning yoga, soundhealing meditation, and restorative massages.

Dinner is a wonderful journey. Will it be foie gras, escargots, and lobster Thermidor at Fil Rouge or prime rib, lamb chops, and black angus steak at Marble & Co. Grill? There’s also Basque tapas, goat’s cheese soufflé, and sea bass Provençal at Med Yacht Club, as well as sushi, sashimi, and Thai green curry at Sakura. Whatever I choose comes with endless pours of champagne, wine, or cocktails.

By the end of my voyage, I feel rested and recharged, just as I had hoped. But what I will treasure most is the unexpected bonus: my new ocean state of mind. — ming tappin

Ocean Bliss. Discover relaxation at sea by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29850, or call or email us for more.

Above: A comfortably chic lounge aboard EXPLORA II.

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GERMANY’S RIVER TRIFECTA AmaWaterways reveals why the Moselle, Rhine, and Main should be savored slowly—ideally with a glass of Riesling.

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IT’S dinner time aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto, and the wine steward stops by my table. When she offers a glass of Riesling, I can’t refuse. It would be like snubbing a friend. I’ve spent the past two days hiking and biking along the very estates that grew these grapes, and just this afternoon, I watched the steep, pictureperfect vineyards go by as we drifted down the Moselle River.

Over the weeklong Rivers & Castles journey, we zig-zagged across the landscape, starting in Luxembourg, then sailing down Germany’s castle-lined Rhine River, before finishing on the Main River, where I wound through cobblestone streets in one storybook village after the next. When our voyage ended in Nuremberg, I wanted to stay on board and do it all over again in reverse.

Our 160-guest ship was just the right size, intimate enough to feel unhurried, but large enough for grand gourmet meals and ample space for multi-generation groups of families and friends.

After the Moselle, we entered the Rhine’s dramatic Middle Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When I found my way to the Sun Deck, we floated by dozens of castles and fortresses—it felt like stepping into an IMAX movie with 360-degree surroundings.

Soon we reached the Lorelei Rock, overlooking a treacherous section of the river said to be home to a legendary enchantress whose beauty and song lured sailors into danger. But wrapped in a blanket and sipping Rüdesheimer Kaffee—a warming blend of coffee and local brandy topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate—I couldn’t have felt more secure.

In Würzburg, I happened upon the Residenz, an opulent 18th century palace that felt like a mini Versailles. Built by PrinceBishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönbor, it’s festooned with ornate plaster, lofty mirrors, and romantic baroque paintings. World War II bombs nearly leveled the building, but a “Monument Man,” a U.S. soldier tasked with preserving Europe’s artistic treasures, arrived just weeks after the raid to save the palace from the elements. Standing beneath the vaulted ceilings, I felt grateful for his frantic efforts.

When the wine steward returned to my table on the last dinner of our voyage, I recalled my first night, and asked to try another glass of Riesling, sparkling this time. As bubbles danced in my glass, I toasted the three rivers that had been my hosts, vowing to return. — larry bleiberg

An Enchanted Journey. Explore unique river travel by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29846, or call or email us for more.

Opposite: Discovering Würzburg, Germany along the Main River with AmaCerto.

Clockwise, from top right: The hilltop Cochem Castle; a vineyard on the Rhine River in Rüdesheim; fine dining aboard AmaCerto.

When we turned onto the Main River, the scenery shifted again.

The river’s name derives from “Moine,” the Celtic word for snake, and indeed it seemed to twist and wind through the countryside.

We floated through forests, passing villages where church bells rang from distant steeples as they had since the Middle Ages.

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ENRICHING MEETS EXTRAORDINARY An expedition cruise with Seabourn invites discovery, insight, and wonder.

IF you combined Ernest Shackleton’s trailblazing spirit and Sir David Attenborough’s wildlife wisdom with the comforts of a five-star resort, you’d likely find yourself on a Seabourn expedition cruise. With sailings from the Arctic to the Antarctic, Australia to the Amazon, these select itineraries invite intrepid travelers to experience some of the planet’s most remote and wild places without sacrificing luxury.

A Seabourn expedition cruise offers the ultimate journey of discovery with an expert team of oceanographers and marine biologists who help travelers better understand the fascinating marine life and natural wonders encountered along the way. Additional scientists aboard these expeditions include ornithologists, historians, naturalists, and geologists—each eager to share their unique findings, deep knowledge, and hands-on experience. The ship’s Discovery Center serves as the hub for insightful lectures, shore briefings, and discussions on the natural and cultural history of every destination.

Still, the greatest discoveries occur outdoors. Participate in a cleansing smoke ritual and traditional Junba dance on the beach with Aboriginal Australian people. Explore a remote jungle village and its local market, where handcrafted keepsakes and encounters with Indigenous residents of the Amazon reveal centuries of knowledge and tradition. Navigate hidden polar coves and icebergs by Zodiac, uncovering an endless spectrum of blue across the frozen landscape.

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Onboard geologists and naturalists interpret these phenomena— and answer the many questions along the way, like, “Is that humpback whale staring at us?” Answer: Yes. They’re naturally curious and may just “spy-hop” for a closer look at you.

It’s easy to see why the wildlife might envy your vantage point.

Seabourn’s expedition ships feature heated infinity pools, hot tubs, and expansive sun decks, along with spacious ocean-front suites and beautifully appointed common spaces. There’s also upscale dining, a wellness spa, fitness center, and even a dance club. — amy roberts

Go Remote. Start planning your ultimate sailing by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29857, or call or email for more.

From top: Seabourn travelers kayak with Minke whales in Cierva Cove, Antarctica; exploring Bernal Glacier in Chile.

CULTURE IN FOCUS Local connection and VIP access define Adventures by Disney family travel.

WATCHING a child’s eyes widen—not at a landmark or a candy store, but at the first thunderous strike of taiko drumbeats in Kyoto—doesn’t happen by accident when traveling with Adventures by Disney. Adventure Guides train extensively in cultural fluency to translate place in ways that feel natural and grounded. So much more than shepherding a family from point A to point B, the guides work alongside local experts who add a lived perspective, creating moments that feel personal. Disney’s incomparable focus on storytelling brings unfamiliar customs and living cultures into focus.

Small-group entries and after-hours experiences shift the energy of iconic sites like the Vatican. Galleries feel expansive without the crowds as you and your family gaze in wonder at Michelangelo’s unobstructed frescoes overhead. This kind of insider access, arranged through long-standing relationships, opens doors most travelers never find. It’s part of the “backstage pass,” an Adventures by Disney hallmark.

Among the rolling hills of Switzerland, families gather around a wooden table to temper chocolate as they learn about cocoa beans and the conching process with the same reverence a local chocolatier has for the craft.

In Italy, the warm scent of fresh pasta dough rises under your own hands in a sun-dappled Tuscan farmhouse as you laugh with your kids over flour-dusted tables as a local Nonna shares her cherished family recipe.

Across countries and continents, alongside the Adventure Guides, local experts—craftspeople, historians, storytellers— bring deep insider perspective to each destination. With two guides per trip, they’re part cultural ambassador, part master storyteller, part concierge.

Imagine entering Morocco’s ancient medina of Fez for a private tour of hidden tanneries or joining a sunset camel trek across the Sahara’s golden dunes. Or in Greece, wander Crete’s Minoan ruins with a private archaeologist, then craft your own olive oil soap in a family-run workshop.

Every minute of an Adventures by Disney experience feels effortless because guides keep curiosity at the forefront and logistics out of sight. No worrying about tickets, timing, or next steps. This is travel with an interpersonal connection.

Families don’t just see the world—they feel it together.

— casandra karpiak Deep Connections. Discover family travel by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29869, or call or email us for other great escapes.

From top: Learning about Italian art history with an Adventure Guide; making pasta—and lifetime memories.

As to Disney properties, logos, artwork: ©Disney U LT I M AT E E X P E R I E N C E S

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EXCLUSIVE &

EFFORTLESS Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aura raises the bar on luxury.

ONE of the benefits of belonging to a country club is the expected yet subtle indulgence. The staff greets you by name as you enter.

A slight nod, and the bartender begins crafting your cocktail of choice, made just the way you like it. Perhaps your preferred poolside lounger has already been reserved in anticipation of your arrival.

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And there’s no need to think about dinner—your favorite table at The Haven Restaurant has already been reserved, courtesy of your dedicated concierge.

Norwegian Cruise Line has replicated this same “pampering without pretension” concept at sea for guests staying in The Haven, a private and luxurious enclave featured on most of their ships and enhanced on their Prima Class ships.

On Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest vessel, Norwegian Aura, The Haven is even more heavenly. Now being built at the renowned Fincantieri-Marghera shipyard in Italy, the ship will embark on its maiden voyage in May 2027, sailing from Venice to Barcelona.

From there, it journeys westward with a transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami—the city that will eventually become the ship’s home.

In addition to extra-spacious, extra-luxurious suites and a host of private amenities, Haven guests enjoy VIP treatment and personalized service reserved for this top-tier retreat. Toast your travels from your private balcony with champagne delivered by your butler. Skip the lines with priority embarkation and disembarkation.

Before arriving in Florida, Norwegian Aura will call on the Andalusian capital of Seville, followed by Gibraltar, where the dramatic limestone landmark marks the western gateway to the Mediterranean. Once stateside, the ship will chase the sun and sand, island-hopping across the Caribbean. — amy roberts

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THE AMBIANCE OF AURA Guests of The Haven are, of course, not limited to their private enclave. They enjoy full access to the ship, including the all-new Ocean Heights—an open-air amusement complex spanning three decks. Here, guests can scale a 25-foot rock wall, play carnival games at the midway, race down dueling waterslides, and test their skills on the ropes course. Come evening, the space transforms into a more serene setting, where cocktails are poured and lounge areas invite guests to linger.

BY THE NUMBERS 159

Number of Haven Suites on Norwegian Aura, making it the ship with the most Haven Suites in the fleet.

2,100

Size in square feet of the three-bedroom Premier Owner Suite in The Haven enclave, with an expansive balcony and private hot tub.

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Hours of butler and concierge service for The Haven guests.

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The Haven Sundeck with an exclusive infinity pool, hot tubs, outdoor sauna, and cold room.

Suite Life. Begin your luxurious sailing by visiting the agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29852, or call or email us for more.

Opposite: Sunset style on The Haven Sundeck on Norwegian Aura (artist rendering).

From top: Exclusive dining in The Haven Restaurant; Norwegian Aura (artist rendering) at sea; an easy-luxe morning in a Haven suite.

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A TABLE SET FOR

ASIA Experience local stories and cuisine through Silversea’s imaginative S.A.L.T. program.

From left: Preparing a meal with a local family in Bali; the S.A.L.T. Kitchen.

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SILVERSEA’S voyages throughout Asia are designed for travelers who want more than a highlight montage of ports. Ships dock longer in must-see metropolises like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, then chart a course beyond the expected into destinations others might sail right past. Each place adds context, and each meal becomes part of the larger cultural narrative.

That philosophy is at the heart of S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste), Silversea’s culinary immersion program that turns food into a living bridge between ship and shore. “We want to give guests a real taste of the local flavors and traditions of the places we’re sailing to, and create compelling ways to keep those connections and experiences happening onboard,” says Adam Sachs, the Director of S.A.L.T. With this, Asia comes into sharper focus—one market visit, shared table, and hands-on encounter at a time. As Sachs puts it: “It’s all about exploring the world through the lens of food and drink.”

CITIES OF LEGEND, PORTS OF SURPRISE An itinerary across Asia with Silversea balances the iconic and the intimate. Tokyo’s pull is undeniable, familiar from film and pop culture alike, perhaps nowhere more memorably than in Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

From there, itineraries often slip into places most would never think to seek out on their own. In Beppu, Japan, steam rises from more than 2,000 hot springs, curling into the air akin to something elemental.

Cobalt blue and vermillion mineral pools simmer and bubble, known as the famed “The Seven Hells of Beppu.” The town’s geothermal landscape feels virtually otherworldly.

In the port of Nha Trang, Vietnam, the city’s white-sand beaches draw the eye, yet Silversea’s most memorable access begins with cuisine.

Guests move through stalls piled high with dragon fruit, lemongrass, and baskets of seafood still tasting of saltwater. Asia’s scale makes itinerary choice essential. Travelers can opt for a multi-country sailing that covers a wide range of cultures, or choose a more concentrated route that explores one region in detail.

THE FLAVOR OF CONNECTION In regions steeped in dynasties, trade routes, rituals, and resilience, the most direct way into culture is often through the table. Silversea unearths the arc of the story that connects the food and drink, cultures and heritage, to every harbor visited. S.A.L.T. deepens that access by making cuisine a form of conversation. The program puts guests into kitchens and communities, creating unscripted, human encounters.

“We see these connections being made when breaking bread, or sharing a bottle, or filling a basket full of vegetables from a garden that you’ll cook together for lunch,” says Sachs. “People open up, share stories about meals and their traditions.”

Cuisine is memory—it holds stories, lineage, and emotion. Through taste, the destination begins to speak. On a voyage in Asia, that philosophy becomes tangible. In the onboard S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant, menus evolve as the voyage moves eastward, like regional specialties such as tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka or pho inspired by Hoi An. Ingredients harvested from local vendors, recipes handed down through families, and age-old techniques influence each dish.

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FROM MARKET TO CUTTING BOARD In Asia, where gastronomic heritage is often passed from generation to generation, Silversea’s most meaningful moments can happen when travelers trade the role of diner for that of cook, even if only for an afternoon.

“Guests roll up their sleeves, put on aprons, and learn to make regional dishes from our personable and talented chef-instructors,” Sachs says. “They also go into a bit about the history and stories around certain recipes and traditions, so guests come away with a deeper understanding of where we’re visiting.”

S.A.L.T. outings, for instance, explore Japan’s complex culinary craft alongside a Michelin-starred chef, or share lunch with Chef Nobuaki Fushiki, known as the “Fermentation Prince.” In Singapore, travelers can dine at the multi-award-winning Intan Home Museum, and in Thailand, a plant-based cooking demonstration takes place at the home of award-winning chef Vichit Mukura.

You may trace the curves of a bao bun with eager anticipation, but it’s the anecdotes shared over that first bite that linger longest.

— casandra karpiak Local Flavor. Start your culinary adventure by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29858, or call or email us for more.

Clockwise, from top left: Eating where the locals eat in Hong Kong; a private S.A.L.T. experience; the Silversea ship arriving in Tokyo; Kaiseki cuisine in Tokyo.

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TRADITION, CURATED AT SEA Discover the world’s great civilizations through Crystal’s 10 Cultural Expedition Cruises.

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THE inaugural Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cultural Expedition Cruise for 2026 has proven so compelling that it’s nearly sold out.

These two powerhouse brands bring decades of cultural scholarship to the water with historians, archaeologists, and regional experts who travel alongside guests. Ten newly launched Cultural Expedition Cruises for 2027 expand this vision, revealing new ways for guests to experience the globe’s most storied regions through the lens of scholarship and connection.

TEN VOYAGES, FIVE CULTURAL WORLDS An Italian voyage traces the boot-shaped country’s enchanting coastline, revealing hidden Venetian vineyards, ancient ruins, and local culinary secrets, while a European culinary journey tempts the senses along the coastlines of Portugal, Spain, France, and beyond with everything from fresh oysters to legendary vintages. An autumn sailing from New York to Canada conveys the magic of fall foliage, urban secrets, and wild coastal beauty.

Peel back layers of the sea’s most enigmatic corners with privileged intimacy during an insider’s Mediterranean cruise accommodating just 60 guests. After a two-night stay in Valletta’s Corinthia Palace, the voyage slips through Malta, Sardinia, Tunisia, and Spain.

A French Riviera to Lisbon sailing traces an elegant westward arc of sophistication and soul-stirring scenery, guided by A&K’s Expedition Team for rare tastings, private art viewings, and encounters with historians.

Access is where these voyages truly distinguish themselves.

Shore experiences are designed for small groups and meaningful encounters—private visits, offstage moments, and introductions to local experts and artisans rarely available to independent travelers.

YOUR PRIVATE RESIDENCE AT SEA When the gangway lifts, learning continues in conversations over dinner and lectures that provoke lighthearted debate. One guest recounts an exchange with a Sardinian artisan; another asks about the patrons behind the Florentine masterpiece viewed that day. Each night, the sea gently lulls your body while the mind wanders—connecting threads from port to port, stranger to stranger, past to present.

At the heart of these evenings lies Umi Uma by Nobu, the only restaurant at sea graced with Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s legendary touch. Warmed sake and handcrafted sushi is a delicious bridge between the world you've explored and the one still unfolding under starlight.

As the evening deepens, retreat to your spacious Sapphire Veranda Suite—430 square feet of newly redesigned elegance reserved for Cultural Expeditions guests. The suites include a private veranda, separate living area, and marble bathroom with a rainfall shower, plus a dedicated butler to anticipate every need.

OPPOSITE AND TOP IMAGE: TOMGRIFFITHS

For those who believe travel should challenge, inspire, and educate, Crystal’s Cultural Expedition Cruises represent a convincing evolution. — casandra karpiak Enriching Exploration. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29848 for revealing sailings, or call or email us for new ideas.

Opposite: A vision of relaxation aboard Crystal. From top: Local tapas in Setúbal, Portugal; cruising the canals of Venice.

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HONORING GUESTS SINCE 1 13

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is calling.

Hidden along the Adriatic coast, Hotel Excelsior awaits as your private sanctuary of timeless luxury.

Just steps from the UNESCO-listed Old Town, immerse yourself in over a century of impec­ cable service, tranquil gardens, and a stone-paved beach-all with dreamy views of the Adriatic sea and medieval skyline.

Book one of the 158 elegant rooms and suites, savor amazing food in the three exquisite restaurants, relax in the indoor pool, rejuvenate at the glamorous spa, or unwind in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Celebrities have stayed here. Now it's your turn. At Hotel Excelsior, luxury isn't just a promise; it's a century-old tradition.

Claim your moment of effortless elegance-open year-round.

Dubrovnik is calling. Don'tjust visit it - live it

in style. Book your escape now.

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I-IOT ELS

TO MAKE A RESERVATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR. U LT I M AT E E X P E R I E N C E S

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES MAY 2026

+ BEYOND 34 AWESOME ANTARCTICA A voyage of a lifetime.

37 WELCOME TO MOROCCO Discover the Kingdom of Light.

48 IMMERSIVE ACCESS

Thoughtful and unforgettable travel.

The Moroccan village of Aït Benhaddou.

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A MASTERPIECE

in the Making

Oceania Cruises' Cruises' new ship is destined to hit all the right notes.

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WITH the maiden voyage planned for August 2027, Oceania Sonata™ promises to deliver unforgettable experiences. As the ninth vessel in the Oceania Cruises fleet, Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships in the new Sonata Class—an elevated chapter representing the next stage in the line’s evolution of luxury at sea.

Final touches are now being applied to the ship at the renowned Fincantieri-Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy. When complete, it will accommodate 1,390 guests, making it Oceania Cruises’ most spacious and luxurious ship to date.

AMPLE ACCOMMODATIONS Oceania Sonata will be the first ship in its class to debut the new Penthouse Deluxe Suites and Horizon Suites, both offering cozy-chic luxury, distinct living and bedroom spaces, and private verandas. Oceania Cruises' Owner’s Suites have long represented luxury at sea, a legacy that will continue—and expand—with Oceania Sonata. The vessel is Oceania Cruises’ first to introduce two-bedroom Owner’s Suites, each exceeding 2,500 square feet. All four will feature a primary bedroom with a plush king-size bed and spa-inspired bathroom, along with a guest suite highlighted by floor-to-ceiling glass doors, an opulent marble bath, and a wraparound veranda. Meanwhile, the Vista Suites and Oceania Suites range from 1,000 to 1,900 square feet, blending gracious living with polished comfort. Expect upscale finishes, generous spaces, and sweeping ocean views.

DISTINGUISHED DINING The Sonata class also introduces notable culinary enhancements, including an intimate evening at the first and only fine-dining restaurant at sea to hold the official seal of approval from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. This exclusive French dining experience is reserved for just 18 guests at the La Table, which also hosts a six-course tasting menu pairing chefinspired dishes with three Dom Pérignon vintage champagnes.

SETTING SAIL Oceania Sonata’s inaugural season will span sun-drenched Mediterranean ports and the clear waters of the Caribbean. Visit the jewels of the Dalmatian Coast as you island-hop around Croatia, learn the proper pizza-dough tossing technique in Italy, or witness the harmonious convergence of nature and engineering as you traverse the Panama Canal. — amy roberts

OCEANIA SONATA AT A GLANCE INAUGURAL VOYAGE: August 2027, from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Trieste, Italy.

GUEST CAPACITY: 1,390 CREW: 855 LENGTH: 922 feet SPEED: 20 knots (23 mph) DECKS: 15 ACCOMMODATIONS: Nearly 33 percent are suites.

DINING: 10-plus distinct venues.

In Ship Shape. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29853 to set sail, or call or email us for amazing adventures.

Opposite: The new Oceania Sonata (artist rendering). From top: The expansive living room in the Owner's Suite; a serene bedroom in the Owner's Suite (artist renderings).

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Island Immersion

Paul Gauguin Cruises brings guests into Polynesian life and lore.

GIN-clear water. Gardenia-scented air. Towering emerald mountains. Velvety black sand beaches. The islands of Tahiti dazzle the senses at every turn with their raw natural beauty, yet it’s the emotional connection guests form with Polynesian culture that draws them back again and again. After more than 25 years sailing these islands exclusively, no company captures the spirit of French Polynesia quite like Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Over one- and two-week sailings, guests learn about Polynesian legends and mythology—how the universe sprang from a coconut, or why Mo’orea is called the “lizard island”—while Paul Gauguin Cruises’ longstanding ties to local communities brings unparalleled access into daily life and heritage. That might mean exploring ancient marae on the sacred isle of Raiatea or visiting a family-run pearl farm to learn the lore of the Tahitian black pearl.

On every m/s Paul Gauguin voyage—whether through the Society Islands or farther afield to the Marquesas, Cook, or Tuamotus Islands—travelers are hosted by a troupe of local Tahitians known onboard as Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines.

More than entertainers, they are cultural ambassadors, sharing the meaning behind traditional dance, wood carvings, tattooing, and lei making, along with the islanders’ deep connection to the sea. Bridging ship and shore, each experience is enriched with storytelling.

The only luxury liner in French Polynesia with a dedicated children’s program on select sailings, Paul Gauguin Cruises makes sure young travelers also connect with each and every destination. The Moana Explorer Program partners with Te mana o te moana, a marine education and conservation foundation, to offer hands-on activities that foster a deeper understanding of the region’s fragile marine environment.

Evenings bring the culture vividly to life through music and dance.

Guests might join a traditional drum circle, playing tamau (large bass drums struck with a mallet) and fa’atete (smaller drums crafted from coconut wood and sharkskin), or try their hand at the ukulele. By voyage’s end, one might recognize the four styles of Ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance) and maybe even be able to replicate the graceful footwork and fluid hip swaying. — jen murphy Beyond the Beauty. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29854 to uncover French Polynesia, or call or email us for more.

Travelers are hosted by local Tahitians known as Les Gauguines.

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PAST & PRESENT A PONANT EXPLORATIONS voyage to Central America reveals wonderous culture.

A narrow, 1,140-mile-long isthmus that connects two continents, Central America is home to a remarkable concentration of cultural richness. Within this compact stretch of coastline lies biodiverse nature, colonial history, and Indigenous traditions that remain a part of daily life. A sailing with PONANT EXPLORATIONS deepens the experience, pairing luxury small-ship intimacy with curated excursions and expert-led onboard lectures and discussions that bring the region’s cultural scope into sharper focus.

TROPICAL EXPEDITIONS Connecting two continents, Panama and Costa Rica both possess unique biodiversity and landscapes. Tropical forests, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters set the stage for an extraordinary expedition between two oceans—thanks to a crossing of the mythical Panama Canal. From historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves, you’ll explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering incredible wildlife and the history of local communities.

Tropical Research Institute (STRI), a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation.

DISCOVER INDIGENOUS TRADITIONS Stepping into Central America’s local culture reveals experiences far removed from modern life. In Panama’s remote Darién Province, PONANT EXPLORATIONS guests visit with the Indigenous Emberá community that preserves ancestral traditions amid the lush biodiversity of the UNESCO-listed Darien National Park. Beauty is everywhere, simple and meaningful. From fresh hibiscus flowers worn in women’s hair—the living link that unites them with the forest—to the mysterious black arabesques inked onto the skin of men and women alike, traced in jagua ink.

Experience traditional songs, dance, and craftwork, learning from a culture intimately tied to the forest. Here, ecotourism supports connection and respect, inviting travelers to witness a world where nature and heritage coexist.

Central American Wonders. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29855 for cultural sailings, or call or email us for more.

From top: Granada, Nicaragua views; scarlet macaws in a Central American jungle.

FROM CITY EXPLORATION TO WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Panama City blends modern skyscrapers alongside historic quarters, anchored by the monumental Panama Canal. Sailing through it with PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a front-row view of this great engineering feat—and a deeper appreciation for the waterway that continues to shape Panama’s global role. While in Quepos, Costa Rica, you may encounter sloths, noisy howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, tiny squirrel monkeys, toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more. On select sailings in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian U LT I M AT E E X P E R I E N C E S

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LIFE ON ICE

An inside look at a morning in Antarctica with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

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IT’S just after eight a.m., and most everyone is at breakfast, but I’m standing in the open bridge of an eight-deck, 408-foot-long expedition ship with my binoculars. I’ve gotten only a few hours of sleep, having stayed up to watch the sunset and the sunrise—a single event, dusk flowing into dawn, an iridescent swirl of pastel pinks and purples painting the glacial cliffs and snow-covered mountainsides in the sheltered harbor where we docked overnight.

We’ve just crossed into the Antarctic Circle, 66º South.

Captain Martin Graser has been leading expeditions like this 10-night Voyage to Antarctica for nearly three decades. Few things could surprise him, but he’s far from jaded, and now, as we spot a black dot in the far distance, he leaps to attention. A lone penguin. A big penguin. An Emperor Penguin—the world’s largest species, at over four feet tall. They’re rare to see on the west side of the peninsula. “Turn the ship around,” Captain Graser says, subverting his giddiness. “We’re going back.”

Beside me is Jackie, a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions naturalist whom I presumed was an ornithologist because of her expertise on the Albatrosses soaring around the upper decks, not to mention her dedication to our voyage’s dry-erase-board bird list. It turns out she has a masters in physics, pursued out of an obsession with sailing. A polar class-5 icebreaker, National Geographic Resolution is staffed with around a dozen such experts: Adrian cut his chops crossing the Drake Passage on a wooden schooner; Michael was a zoologist in the Galápagos. Each day, while travelers go out on Zodiac rides to ogle icebergs or search for leopard seals, this team may be assembling a presentation about the particular pod of B2 orcas we spotted last evening, or diving for ethereal underwater images of krill to later present in the lecture space—with its three walls of picture windows and stocked bar.

The hulking vessel makes a slow, steady 180º. Fifteen minutes later, we’re a football field away, lining the decks’ rails in the polar sun and relishing the sight of this colorful, waddling seabird celebrity.

The small ship (there are only 138 guests onboard) is a calm space: white tablecloths in the elegant restaurant, sweeping views of frozen solitude from the sauna. But still, a quiet excitement always seems to be coursing through the bridge. Reams of charts and data flash on screens, and with an even-keeled intensity, the captain, crew, safety officers, and navigators plot our next move.

What will the coming hours hold? It’s anyone’s guess. The weather is calm and bright. The daily agenda typically outlines one to two scheduled excursions, listing a location (the Gullet, Danco Island, Paradise Harbor) and an activity, conditions permitting (Zodiacs, kayaks, a continental landing, an ice walk). Today’s reads simply: Expedition Afternoon: Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. Here at the bottom of the world, we’re lucky to be along for the ride. — alexandra marvar

Antarctic Awe. Plan a trip of a lifetime by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29851, or call or email us for more.

Opposite: National Geographic Resolution glides through the morning ice. From left: a penguin in the wilds of Antarctica; glacier views from the ship.

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AT SEA’S EDGE A special journey with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection takes on a rare elegance.

DAWN breaks over Marina Bay as Luminara slips past Singapore’s skyline, open water and the promise of Asia ahead. Small by design, Luminara brings the polish of a Ritz-Carlton stay into the sea—intimate in scale, chic in design, and ushering you closer to the coastline—and culture—of every destination. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Asia itineraries come alive one exquisite port approach at a time.

In Vietnam, the day might begin with a lantern-strung walk through Hoi An, as silk shops open their doors and the scent of herbs and charcoal rises from market stalls. On Ho Chi Minh City’s kinetic streets, scooters stream past colonial facades as a guide leads you into quiet temples tucked behind the rush.

Further north in Yokohama, sleek waterfront avenues give way to intimate tea houses and gardens. Your yacht waits like a private retreat, terrace doors open to the sea, champagne catching the last copper edge of sunset.

Longtail boats skim across turquoise shallows near island-fringed shores in Thailand. Sun-soaked afternoons of diving straight from the yacht’s marina platform into warm, jade-hued water feel absolutely decadent. On land, Bangkok’s gilded temples and night markets fill the senses with incense, mango, and the bright heat of street food.

Malaysia is a cultural crossroad full of skyscrapers rising above harbors and centuries of trade reflected in cuisine like dim sum and fragrant laksa. In Kuala Lumpur, gleaming towers hover over 36

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streets layered with Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage, leading to incense-filled temples and hawker stalls scented with chili, lime, and coconut.

After hours ashore, Luminara waits just beyond the city lights, ready to pull you back into peaceful sea air. Stars press close overhead at night as conversations drift softly across the deck, charting its next passage through waters that connect empires, islands, and modern cities.

Travel with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection takes on a rare elegance in Asia. Languorous arrivals, deeply sensory days ashore, and the steady comfort of returning to your own floating address, night after night, as the continent unfolds port by port.

— casandra karpiak Epic Asia. Set sail on a divine adventure by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29859 or call or email us for more discoveries.

From top: Luminara off the coast of Asia; Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

NORTH AFRICAN JEWEL With rich culture and a welcoming spirit, Morocco is a journey of adventure and wonder.

ONE of the first things you notice in Morocco is the light. The way it filters through narrow streets and courtyards, casting an ethereal glow over tiny workshops and cafés. How it seems to reshape the desert, sculpting new colors into the sand as the day shifts from dawn to dusk.

Within moments of arriving, it’s easy to understand why the country has long been known as the Kingdom of Light.

Beyond its luminous beauty, Morocco rewards curiosity at every turn— from the architectural sights of Marrakech to the storied medina of Fez to the vast expanse of the deserts. Travelers can wander traditional souks, stay in ornate riads, create regional dishes in hands-on cooking classes, or venture farther afield to sandboard down sunlit dunes and camp under the stars.

MARRAKECH: ART & CURATED DESIGN At Marrakech’s center is the vibrant Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site bustling with souks, spice markets, traditional hammam bath houses, and architectural treasures—most notably the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century former Islamic college adorned with intricate Moroccan mosaics. Nearby, a growing gallery scene complements the city’s exotic gardens. A standout is Jardin Majorelle, where cobalt blue walls provide a striking contrast to towering cacti and lush succulents.

FEZ: ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE & CRAFT Founded in the ninth century, Fez is considered Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. It’s home to one the world’s largest and best-preserved medinas, where labyrinthine alleys are lined with centuries-old artisan workshops showcasing intricate wood carvings, zellige tilework, ornate textiles, and leather goods. Culinary traditions here remain deeply rooted in heritage, with communal baking in wood-fired ovens and mint tea served with chebakia cookies.

THE DESERT: WONDER & STORYTELLING From the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi to the remote sands of Erg Chigaga, Morocco’s desert landscapes offer awe-inspiring adventure.

Ride camels across golden landscapes that appear neverending, stay in private camps under starlit skies, and connect with the traditions of Amazigh communities. Insider tip: Drive down to the small town of Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara, and climb Erg Chebbi’s massive dunes to watch the sunrise—a magical, unforgettable moment.

Magical Morocco. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29845 to discover the region, or call or email us to learn more.

From top: Authentic Moroccan cuisine; Marrakech's Jardin Majorelle; desert camping in chic style.

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in Motion Uniworld Boutique River Cruises curates an experiential gallery of Europe’s finest works.

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IN the Saint-Jean Quarter of Lyon, France—where Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ luxury journeys unfold along the Rhône— the rhythmic clatter of silk-weaving looms echoes from inside workshops as it has for hundreds of years. Expert weavers are threading delicate rainbow strands of silk and gold into intricate patterns, just as they did when they were commissioned for the restoration of Versailles. To hear this sound in Lyon’s streets is to hear the heartbeat of a city that once dedicated a third of its population to this single trade.

Travelers have long arrived at this scene—and this sound—from the riverbanks. Rivers have been Europe’s most influential curators, transporting the gold of basilicas and the silks of empires. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises approaches these historic waterways with a curatorial philosophy that invites travelers to slow down and experience Europe’s masterpieces—not only on the walls of famed museums, but also in the living traditions that created them and in the hidden places that offer deeper perspectives.

In Arles, France, travelers can walk in van Gogh’s footsteps through the vibrant colors that continue to define this Rhône riverfront city, and even stop for a coffee at the very café he immortalized in his 1888 painting Terrasse du Café le Soir (Café Terrace at Night).

The artist set up his easel right in the Place du Forum to paint the bistro’s sunflower-yellow façade, lit up by gas lamps and starlight.

In Venice, an exclusive, crowd-free, after-hours lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica allows its 11th-century glass-tiled mosaics— and its trove of gold artifacts—to glow in a rare and intimate silence.

In Portugal’s Douro Valley, the art is of a more primal nature: Along the Côa River, Uniworld travelers find prehistoric carvings of horses and deer etched into schist walls—images that recall human interaction with the natural world from 30,000 years ago.

Meanwhile, Vienna offers the peak of Imperial refinement at the Belvedere Palace, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises not only connects travelers with these masterpieces through a narrative journey, but the ships themselves pay homage to Europe’s artistry. Known as “floating boutique hotels,” each ship features custom decor and commissioned works that bring the destination aboard, like S.S. Emilie’s tribute to Klimt. In 2027, three new Super Ships will debut, showcasing lavish materials and regional craftsmanship— and curating the journey’s backdrop much as these rivers once curated Europe itself. — alexandra marvar

Deep Perspective. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29860 for insightful sailings, or call or email for more.

Opposite: Views of Portugal from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises' Grand Suite.

From top: Suite mornings on the ship; visiting with a silk weaver in Lyon, France.

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ALASKA

BY SEA

A Virgin Voyages exploration combines wild beauty, adventure, and indulgence.

DID you know Alaska and its islands have more coastline than the rest of the United States combined? In essence, the region was practically made for sailing. From narrow fjords to glaciercarved bays, many of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes are best accessed by sea. With Virgin Voyages’ elevated, adults-only take on exploration, you’ll glide past rugged shores with champagne in one hand, binoculars in the other. Here, five fascinating facts about Alaska, and why it’s even more astounding when explored with Virgin Voyages.

1. IT’S HOME TO 100,000 GLACIERS. Alaska holds more glaciers than the rest of the inhabited world combined. On a Virgin voyage through Alaska, you won’t just see glaciers—you’ll feel their scale.

From expansive viewing decks to cozy lounges wrapped in floorto-ceiling windows, every vantage point is curated for awe.

2. THE SUN SOMETIMES DOESN’T SET. In parts of Alaska during summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon. In places like Utqiaġvik, it doesn’t set at all for more than two months! That means longer golden hours, more time for wildlife spotting, and late-night deck strolls under a pastel sky.

3. WATCH HUMPBACK WHALES BUBBLE-NET FEEDING. This is a rare, coordinated hunting technique where humpback whales swim in a spiral, blowing bubbles to trap fish before lunging upward in unison to feed. From the ship, your own private balcony, or on a guided whale-watching excursion, you may see these giant mammals breach, slap their tails, or surface in synchronized arcs.

4. IT’S ONE OF THE BEST PLACES ON EARTH TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. From late August through April, the aurora borealis dances across Alaska’s night skies in waves of green, pink, and violet. While summer sailings focus on long daylight and peak wildlife, shoulder-season voyages increase your chances of spotting the lights, especially as evenings grow darker.

5. IT’S STILL DEEPLY ROOTED IN INDIGENOUS CULTURES. Alaska is home to rich Indigenous cultures, including Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Inupiat, Yupik, and many others. Totem poles, storytelling traditions, and art forms carry histories that span thousands of years. Virgin Voyages’ Shore Things are designed to help guests go beyond surface-level sightseeing and into meaningful discovery.

Next-Level Voyage. Discover nature and nurture by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29862, or call or email us to learn more.

From top: Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady sets sail to Alaska; happy hour on the ship; glacier sighting at sunset.

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Culture Crosses the Atlantic Experience theatre, literature, and legacy on Cunard® sailings.

ON a Cunard® voyage, culture is an ever-evolving dialogue between the world beyond the horizon and the world within the ship’s elegant decks. The brand carries more than 185 years of maritime history, and that legacy is not tucked into a museum corner.

Across sailings focused on literature, guests glide from port to port accompanied by authors, illustrators, and publishers.

Onboard salons become spaces for literary conversation, book launches, and thought-provoking Q&A sessions. The ship libraries are unusually substantial—thousands of volumes sit on gleaming wooden shelves in a quiet, club-like atmosphere.

Event Voyages are curated with institutions and icons that reflect the breadth of human creativity and accomplishment.

Cunard’s London Theatre at Sea voyage turns a Transatlantic Crossing into a week of West End culture. The program is presented in partnership with the Olivier Awards and features a one-off performance with a live orchestra and visiting cast.

During Abbey Road at Sea, music lovers will hear stories of creativity and innovation from the very studios where film composers and artists like The Beatles have made history.

Expect live performances, a photography exhibition, and intimate discussions with award-winning recording engineers.

Cunard’s Culinary Residencies welcome world-renowned chefs on board to share their menus and ethos. During each residency, specialty restaurants transform into renowned

institutions at sea where guests can interact with chefs.

Michelin-starred chef Michel Albert Roux, for one, brings Le Gavroche to Queen Anne® across four exclusive voyages. With the restaurant now closed on land, this residency offers guests the rare chance to sample dishes from its long and illustrious reign, alongside live demonstrations and an Insights talk that reveals Roux’s life in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, the Wellness at Sea voyage, a first for the brand, finds its place onboard through a Cunard lens. Curated with Harper’s Bazaar, it adds another dimension of restorative programming, sailing to the Norwegian fjords, proving that culture, wellness, and indulgence can coexist.

Even on Caribbean and Alaska sailings, where scenery often dominates, Cunard maintains its cultural throughline.

Calypso steel-drum notes drift across warm trade winds in the Caribbean's languid island ports. Naturalists and storytellers in Alaska give voice to the silence beyond the windows.

— casandra karpiak Legacy Sailing. Learn about cultural sailings by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29849, or call or email us for more. ®

Above: Afternoon Tea in the Grills Lounge aboard Queen Anne . © 2026 Carnival plc. Ships' Registry: Bermuda. The Cunard logo and logotype, Queen Anne, are registered trademarks of Carnival plc, an English company trading as Cunard.

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WHERE CURIOSITY LEADS Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers a new perspective on the Old World with its Northern Europe voyages.

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WHY are Finland, Iceland, and Denmark consistently ranked among the world’s happiest countries? The answers may lie in their urban planning, architecture, education systems, sauna culture, and food traditions—topics deeply and easily explored when gliding from city to city rather than darting between capitals by train or plane.

Few places have examined the mechanics of daily life as closely as Northern Europe. For travelers ready to go beyond the familiar European hotspots, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has shaped its Northern Europe itineraries to explore these cultural curiosities, tracing coasts and sharing stories of trade routes, ideas, and the natural world.

From left: Copenhagen's Nyhavn waterfront; reading with a view aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

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In Scandinavia, centuries of wisdom and cultural tradition have formed modern cities that showcase some of the most considered and progressive ways of living—where design, public infrastructure, green space, pedestrian-first urban planning, sustainability, and quality of life are everyday realities.

EXPERIENCE COPENHAGEN’S CULTURE Copenhagen didn’t become one of the world’s most bikeable cities by accident. The infrastructure reflects decades of intentional urban design, including innovative, elevated bike lanes that form Copenhagen’s “cycling superhighways.” Beyond efficiency, bicycles offer city life at a different pace. Some 60 percent of locals prefer this eco-friendly mode of transit.

Approaching by ship, travelers will see that the city’s harbor districts show another kind of intentionality, with its former industrial waterfronts reimagined as public swimming areas—one more unique perspective on the city beloved by the people who know it best.

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EXPLORE STOCKHOLM’S ISLANDS Throughout history, Stockholm has been a city best approached from the water. It sits at the center of an archipelago containing roughly 30,000 islands. Ferries run throughout the day to islands with swimming rocks, hiking trails, and small villages. Swedes have a tradition called allemansrätten, the “right to roam,” which allows public access to most natural areas, even on private land: Walk through forests, pick berries, camp overnight, and swim from shorelines as long as nothing is disturbed or damaged—a reflection of how deeply outdoor access is embedded in Swedish culture and law.

DISCOVER HELSINKI’S CHURCHES OF NATURE Finland boasts more than three million saunas—for a population of about 5.6 million people. Historically, they’re considered sacred spaces where all are equal and body and spirit are cleansed. The modern perspective sees them as a crucial part of physical and mental health—and of maintaining equilibrium in an often harsh climate. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ships are designed with saunas onboard, while a deeper introduction to sauna culture happens ashore in cities like Helsinki, where public saunas are considered neighborhood institutions. Some have been operating for nearly a century, where strangers sit together in heat and steam, then cool off in the Baltic. Newer saunas pair traditional fixtures like wood-fired heat and Baltic plunges with contemporary design.

DIG INTO THE LAYERED HISTORIES OF BALTIC CITIES In Tallinn, Estonia, the layers of history offer a fascinating contrast. Its medieval Old Town sits within 13th-century walls, but the city extends far beyond, including to Soviet-era districts now being reimagined with new art galleries and studios. In Riga, Latvia's Art Nouveau district contains more than 800 early 20thcentury buildings, many recently restored. The city's Central Market operates inside five former Zeppelin hangars—enormous vaulted spaces now filled with vendors selling Baltic fish, Estonian cheeses, Lithuanian honey, and local produce.

HOW TO GO Voyages through Northern Europe with Regent Seven Seas Cruises invite guests to stay overnight in many ports, offering flexibility and the time to wander without an agenda to explore, observe, and learn.

This is Europe for people who have already visited Europe or who are curious to experience not just what societies have built, but how they were built—and how history informs the way they operate today. — alexandra marvar

Go North. Explore a new side of Europe by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29856, or call or email us for new experiences.

Clockwise, from top left: The Byttafladen archipelago, near Stockholm; a cozy library aboard Seven Seas Explorer®; the medieval rooftops of Tallinn, Estonia.

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THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL COAST Windstar Cruises goes beyond the Mediterranean’s “must-sees,” calling on Europe’s most history-rich small ports.

TRAVELERS have been making the archaeological pilgrimage from Sorrento to Pompeii and Herculaneum since the sites were discovered in the early 18th century. Wall graffiti advertises election slogans and taverns. Carbonized loaves of bread still sit in ovens. Every detail preserves the exact moment when, in 79 CE, a volcanic eruption froze daily life in its tracks. But the story of this region extends well beyond these famous ruins, spanning small, ancient port cities along the coasts of southern Italy, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean islands— places best, and sometimes only, accessed by boat.

With this year’s itineraries, Windstar Cruises is sailing beyond the Mediterranean’s obvious spots, tracing the archaeological coast where civilizations overlap. Windstar’s yachts draw shallow enough drafts to enter harbors that turn away larger vessels, enabling them to dock directly in a picturesque port like Reggio Calabria, Italy or Kavala, Greece, as ships have done for centuries. These ports inspire Mediterranean meals aboard, crafted from prized local ingredients such as Pugliese olive oil and Andalusian sherry.

Journeys might begin in a familiar city like Rome, with its Renaissance masterpieces and ancient ruins, espresso bars and neighborhood markets, before venturing to timeless destinations such as the Amalfi Coast with its UNESCO-protected, colorful cliffside towns shaded by lemon groves.

But then, Windstar Cruises surprises with ports like Monemvasía, a fortified Greek town reachable only by a narrow causeway.

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Here, cisterns carved into the rock still collect rainwater as they did in Byzantine times. And in the Greek port of Gythion, once Sparta’s maritime outlet, fragments of Roman theaters and ancient quarries are tucked into modern life.

Across the Ionian Sea, the quest into Europe’s past—and away from crowds—continues in Messina, Sicily’s northeastern gateway and one of the ancient Mediterranean’s most strategic chokepoints. Ancient history gives way to timeless beauty, from the Adriatic village of Rab, where medieval towers rise above pine forests, to San Pietro Island, where some of the clearest swimming water in Puglia surrounds a rarely visited abbey. With each experience, travelers are connected to Europe’s history, layer by layer. — alexandra marvar Historic Voyages. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29863 to explore Mediterranean sailings, or call or email us for more.

From top: Navigating the calm waters of Gythion, Greece; the Roman Forum.

ADVENTURE WITHOUT BORDERS Celebrity Cruises turns extraordinary destinations into effortless experiences.

FROM ancient cities to wild coastlines, the world is full of endless exploration. Sailing brings far-flung, captivating destinations within reach, and with Celebrity Cruises, every journey is as immersive as it is effortless, transpiring from the comfort of a modern, thoughtfully designed ship.

Here, just a few Celebrity adventures waiting for discovery.

UNCOVER ANCIENT CULTURES & UNRIVALED CUISINE IN ASIA In Asia, each day reveals a new pace, texture, and flavor. Tokyo’s futuristic skylines give way to incense-scented temples, while moments of calm in Zen gardens sit just blocks from the exhilarating rush of Shibuya Crossing.

Food becomes its own form of exploration: steaming dim sum in Hong Kong, smoky satay from a Singapore hawker stall, delicate sushi in Japan, and herbaceous spring rolls in Vietnam. Beyond the urban sprawl, cool off beneath waterfalls on Ko Samui, wander Bali’s artistic heart in Ubud, or glide through Vietnam’s Red River Delta, where rice paddies stretch toward distant mountains.

EXPLORE THE SOUTH PACIFIC’S NATURAL AWE & VIBRANT CITIES Cruising through Australia and New Zealand can feel like moving through a living painting. One morning you’re gliding past New Zealand’s Fiordland, where sheer mountains drop into mirror-still sounds and waterfalls unravel into the sea. Later, you might journey to neighboring Fiji, a secluded paradise of swaying palms and private islands. In Australia, days are spent snorkeling among the rainbow corals of the Great Barrier Reef and walking the alabaster sands of Whitehaven Beach. Ashore, cities are just as vivid.

Dunedin’s Scottish roots, Napier’s Art Deco streets, and Sydney’s bustling markets invite wandering, best with coffee in hand.

FIND TRUE ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AMERICA From Chile’s rolling vineyards to Brazil’s samba-filled streets in Rio and Salvador, a South American cruise offers a cinematic and utterly unforgettable experience. In Buenos Aires, the city hums with tango rhythms, smoky steakhouses, and world-class museums. Start the day in Uruguay at Punta del Este’s exclusive beaches, where locals go to see and be seen, and marvel at the raw beauty of Patagonia in Argentina, where jagged peaks frame the sea as your ship threads through a scatter of remote islands. You might spot whales off Puerto Madryn before following the path of early explorers around Cape Horn and reaching Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. — alexandra owens

New Discoveries. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M29847 to plan an epic adventure, or call or email us for amazing adventures.

From top: Taking in the vibrant streets of Vietnam; Celebrity Cruises' cantilevered Magic Carpet is poised for prime ship viewing in New Zealand; a Patagonia POV. U LT I M AT E E X P E R I E N C E S

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THE ART OF

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL Viking reveals Europe’s grand waterways with depth, intention, and rare access.

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EXPLORE the world at a more thoughtful pace with Viking, where immersive itineraries connect you deeply to each destination. Whether sailing Europe’s great rivers or exploring the Mediterranean in its quieter seasons, every journey brings immersive access, meaningful cultural connections, and easy discovery at a luxuriously unhurried pace. Here, three voyages that capture the heart of Viking exploration.

DANUBE WALTZ The Scoop: Seven nights, four countries, and four guided tours along the Danube River. Start in Budapest, Hungary, then sail to Bratislava, Slovakia, continuing to the Austrian cities of Vienna, Krems, and Linz, and end in Passau, Germany.

Don’t Miss: Relaxing in Budapest’s thermal baths, learning to waltz in Vienna, experiencing daily monastic life at Göttweig Abbey in Krems, and wandering the charming streets of Passau, one of Bavaria’s oldest cities.

Secret Gem: Krems, Austria is a quaint university town at the eastern end of the Danube’s Wachau Valley. Framed by terraced vineyards, the region produces some of the world’s finest Riesling and Veltliner wines.

ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN TREASURES The Scoop: Seven nights, two countries, and six guided tours while sailing the Aegean Sea. Spend two days in Istanbul before cruising to Troy and Ephesus in Turkey, then continue on to Greece—Rhodes, Crete, and Athens.

Don’t Miss: Wandering through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, exploring the remarkably preserved ruins of Troy and Ephesus, standing in the shadow of Athens’ ancient icons, and easing into island life in Crete.

Secret Gem: Rhodes offers the best of both worlds— extraordinary historic landmarks (including Europe’s largest inhabited medieval town) alongside some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine beaches.

GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR The Scoop: Fourteen nights, four countries, and 12 guided tours on this sweeping journey along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers. Begin in Budapest and sail west through Vienna and the Wachau Valley, onward into Germany’s storied towns, before concluding among the canals of Amsterdam.

Don’t Miss: Standing beneath the baroque splendor of Melk Abbey, wandering the medieval lanes of Regensburg and Bamberg, cruising the castle-lined Upper Middle Rhine, and marveling at the windmills of Kinderdijk.

Secret Gem: Würzburg, set amid Franconia’s rolling vineyards, surprises with its ornate Residenz palace and lively wine culture—a refined yet relaxed finale before journeying on to the Netherlands.

Deep Culture. Discover enriching sailings by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29861, or call or email us for more.

Opposite: Rheinstein Castle, set along the Rhine River. From top: Ruins of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey; the hilltop Melk Abbey in Austria.

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Small Space. Big Impact.

Want to make a difference of your next vacation? Simply use a small amount of space in your luggage to pack supplies needed by community projects around the world.

5 EASY STEPS TO PACK FOR A PURPOSE 1. Visit packforapurpose.org and select your destination.

2. Find an accommodation or tour company and a project it supports.

3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested.

4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company.

5. They will be delivered to the project.

It’s that easy!

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ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES MAY 2026

FEATURES 52 REDISCOVERING AFRICA Culture, community, and the wild.

62 SIMPLY EPIC

Four next-level stays.

70 CHASING CHILE

Go beyond your imagination.

Checking in at Faena New York.

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WHERE THE WILD

TEACHES Discover what safari reveals about Africa’s cultures, communities, and landscapes. by casandra karpiak

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I wasn’t prepared the first time I heard a roar in the grasslands of the South African bush.

A pride of lions was close enough to viscerally remind me that this was their world first. I had come to Africa expecting beauty and wildlife, but wasn’t ready for the intimacy of it. Only the quiet rumble of our open-air safari truck and the intermittent call of hidden birds disturbed the stillness until that moment. Leisurely lounging across from me was a retired couple from Colorado who had lost count of how many safaris they had been on over the years. They sat completely relaxed, as though they had returned to a familiar place. When the brush rustled or a shadow passed through the grass, they bent forward with attentiveness. I, on the other hand, felt my body tense in instinctive alertness, my mind rushing ahead to everything I could not see. I sat upright, scanning, trying to understand distance in a landscape that belonged entirely to its original inhabitants. Over the next four days, our guide learned how to steady me. He understood the bush as a language, one he had spoken since childhood.

What stayed with me went beyond the Big Five. Our guide’s upbringing, a village’s proximity to the lodge, a sundowner shared after dusk—these occasions all held equal significance. And the longer you sit inside the quiet between wildlife sightings, the more you realize the deeper story is about people, place, history, and the cultures that have lived alongside these landscapes for generations.

The most thoughtful safari companies recognize that truth and build their itineraries around it. With these three luxury outfitters, cultural depth is approached in distinct ways, moving beyond sightings to create space for conversation, context, and a deeper understanding of the regions they explore.

Opposite: A mother and calf share a moment in Kenya's Maasai Mara. From top: A cultural experience with Micato Safaris; a pride of young lions in the bush. Previous page: a male lion's darker mane is a symbol of health and dominance.

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Alexander+Roberts: For the Soul Seeker Alexander+Roberts brings nearly eight decades of travel expertise, including more than 50 years of experience across Africa. A passionate team of safari specialists assures every travel plan has direct in-country support, so guests can focus on culture and connection.

The Camps & Lodges

Alexander+Roberts keeps its small groups to no more than 16 guests in Africa’s most pristine settings. Those who prefer full flexibility can choose private or custom safaris designed to particular interests and travel styles. Guests move between established city hotels, such as the Fairmont Norfolk in Nairobi, and safari properties across the Mara and Amboseli regions. Schedules remain fluid so that if a game drive runs long or a rare sighting occurs, dining times and departures adjust to keep the guest experience priority.

The Game Drives

Signature itineraries span the continent’s most iconic wildlife regions.

Kenya and Tanzania have the drama of the Great Migration. Southern Africa mixes Botswana and Zimbabwe’s wild landscapes with the power of Victoria Falls. Rwanda introduces travelers to extraordinary primate encounters on safari in the rainforest. One traveler from New Jersey named Judith described witnessing two wildebeest crossings of the Mara River in the Serengeti during a safari with Alexander+Roberts.

“One could hear the splashing into the water, the braying and panting of the wildebeest as they raced up the bank,” she says. “It was an amazing sight to behold. The beauty and power of nature were awesome and humbling at the same time.”

Culture on Safari

Alexander+Roberts emphasizes how regional expertise and local relationships enrich each destination, connecting travelers to the communities that surround Africa’s great reserves. The experience sparks a deeper interest in Africa’s cultures, histories, and communities, driven largely by each guide’s knowledge and perspective.

What Stays With You

Time and again, guides and camp staff leave the strongest impression on guests. Another traveler named Robin, from Arizona, shared, “Our guide was a fabulous leader. He really gave us so much information about the animals, the people, and the country. He was more than just our guide—he treated us all like family.”

From top: Herds of wildebeest cross a river during the Great Migration; a nature walk in Grootbos Reserve with Alexander+Roberts. Opposite: a luxe camp room at Wilderness Chitabe.

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Micato Safaris: For the Luxe Adventurist Micato Safaris has set the benchmark for luxury safari travel for 60 years. The company’s expertise spans East Africa and Southern Africa with diverse and fully customized itineraries to cater to all travel personalities, including private, family or group safaris.

The Camps & Lodges

Classic tented camps, as well as established lodges, sit close to active wildlife corridors. One night might be spent listening to animals moving past canvas walls, another might end overlooking a busy watering hole after a long day in the field. The common thread is location, experience, and always luxury. A traveler named Bill from New Jersey especially enjoyed the culinary amenities during his safari with Micato: “We ate well and often. Sundowners on the savannah, luxurious picnics, and box lunches during bush flights stood out.”

The Game Drives

Micato guests travel alongside a Safari Director and Driver-Guide whose knowledge extends far beyond wildlife identification and opens doors into Africa’s many faces. Conversations during game drives expand naturally into tribal histories, social change, politics, and the realities of modern Africa. Guests gain perspective on both remote village life and the entrepreneurs shaping contemporary urban culture. And of course, they get you up close and personal to wildlife.

As one guest commented, “Don’t bring a long lens to Africa—the animals were five feet from the jeep.”

Culture on Safari

The most profound “only with Micato” cultural experience is its philanthropic legacy. Micato established AmericaShare more than 35 years ago, supporting education for children impacted by the HIV/ AIDS pandemic. Visits to libraries and computer labs in Nairobi’s Mukuru settlement and Cape Town’s Red Hill create one of the most meaningful cultural links on safari.

What Stays With You

Personalized touches and surprises appear throughout the safari for every guest. A handwritten message from the owner on an anniversary, a breakfast in the bush while zebras roam in the background, and planting a coffee tree in memory of a late spouse are all examples of meaningful touches that are a Micato hallmark.

Opposite: Giraffe sighting with Micato Safaris. From top: Micato Safaris guests take flight over the African landscape; giving back locally with AmericaShare.

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African Travel, Inc.: For the Bespoke Traveler African Travel Inc.’s tailor-made safaris deliver the ultimate travel experience—each one crafted around the guest’s individual desires.

With 50 years of expertise creating journeys exclusively across Africa, the company offers three distinct travel styles spanning 14 destinations, with prime access to hundreds of camps and lodges, as well as a wide range of immersive activities. What truly sets African Travel Inc. apart is its team of safari experts—many with more than 25 years at the company—who know how to listen closely, ask the right questions, and thoughtfully match each guest with the journey that fits them best.

The Camps & Lodges

Africa’s camps and lodges offer remarkable variety, making it essential to match each guest with the right fit. It’s not just about the property itself, but the people who bring the experience to life.

At a remote camp in the Okavango Delta, for example, the guides and staff frequently form genuine connections with guests—sharing stories around the campfire and creating a sense of place that feels both personal and authentic.

The Game Drives

These are, of course, the highlight of any safari—but what makes game drives with African Travel truly unforgettable are the guides.

Their deep knowledge of animal behavior and the landscape, paired with an ability to bring each sighting to life through insight and storytelling, elevates every moment in the wild. As one guest shared: “Our guides—Samson, John, Idriss, and Barick—were all outstanding. Each brought incredible knowledge, patience, and a genuine passion for wildlife and the land. They worked seamlessly together to make every game drive engaging and memorable.”

Culture on Safari

With African Travel’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences, culture is thoughtfully woven into every journey, creating meaningful connections while supporting local communities. These moments go beyond sightseeing, offering a deeper understanding of heritage and place. On the Tanzania Explorer small-group journey, guests take part in a tree-planting initiative that provides lasting shade for a community, followed by a visit to a nearby village with local guides—exploring farms, markets, and everyday life.

What Stays With You

The feeling of experiencing something profound—the unforgettable wildlife encounters, the landscapes that take your breath away, and, above all, the people. Guides, trackers, and camp staff create these meaningful moments, helping guests connect deeply with the place and feel exactly where they are meant to be.

The Heart of Africa. Plan a safari with deep meaning and profound adventure by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29892 or call or email us to discover more.

From top: African Travel guests share a close encounter with cheetahs in South Africa's Eastern Cape; exploring the vineyards of South Africa's Cape Winelands. Opposite: Views from andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge.

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DREAM

E S C A P E S

Travel writer Jen Murphy checks into four show-stopping stays, from reimagined grand dames to pinch-me-I’mdreaming island retreats.

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Secret Bay “Secret” is the perfect word to describe Dominica.

Nicknamed the Nature Island, it’s arguably the Caribbean’s wildest isle, home to active volcanoes, boiling lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and underwater geothermal springs. Dominica-born hotelier Gregor Nassief understood traditional luxury would feel out of place here, so he dreamt up a five-star, Swiss Family Robinson-inspired retreat built into a secluded cliffside in Saint John Parish.

THE STAY: Long before treehouses became trendy, renowned Venezuelan architect Fruto Vivas envisioned the high-design, treehouse-esque villas at Secret Bay. Built from sustainably sourced Guyanese hardwood, each of the 27 villas is designed with a plunge pool, spacious kitchen, and terrace, and includes a dedicated host who can arrange picnics on one of the resort’s two private beaches or jungle hikes with a naturalist. I stayed in one of the Ylang Ylang villas—so named for its silhouette that echoes the petals of the fragrant flower— and spent indulgent hours lounging in the shade on my swinging daybed.

FOOD & DRINK: Secret Bay has raised the bar on sustainable, traceable sourcing and hyper-local cooking. The hotel’s novel “no menu” concept allows its chefs to surprise guests with seasonal, island-to-table dishes. During my stay, I had a unique dining experience on all four evenings.

Zing Zing, an open-air restaurant with 180-degree Caribbean views, hosts just 20 guests per night for a seven-course meal—the highlight for me was a lightly fried fish fritter atop a pumpkin salad.

Two-story Bwa Denn Kitchen resembles a mini food hall, housing a microbrewery, wine cellar, cocktail bar, art gallery, and a casual tapas-style concept. Botanica, a chef’s table nestled in the hotel’s organic garden by the Cario River, hosts intimate meals and cooking and cocktail classes.

WHAT I’LL NEVER FORGET: On my last night, the team surprised me with a toes-in-the-sand bonfire dinner on the beach. We feasted on fresh-caught lobster and a local Dominican bake—flash-fried flour dumplings filled with salt fish.

Opposite: Poolside at Secret Bay. From top: a Caribbean-facing Zabuco Villa; the resort is surrounded by jungle and sea.

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Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest Built in 1902, this opulent palace—and its twin across the street—was commissioned by Princess Maria Klotild, the Archduchess of Austria. Both properties earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status, with the Matild Palace becoming a renowned social hub for esteemed Hungarian writers, poets, and artists. A five-year restoration, completed by Marriott in 2021, meticulously revived the landmark’s wrought-iron details, neobaroque plasterwork, and Miksa Róth’s stunning stained-glass windows. Whether you come to dine or stay, a visit here feels like you’re stepping back in time to Belle Époque Budapest.

THE STAY: The 130 rooms exude modern elegance, featuring sapphire and jade-toned velvets, Art Deco paneling, and exceptionally comfortable Frette-covered beds. For me, the bathrooms—inspired by Hungary’s rich spa culture—were a true highlight, with mosaic tiles, rainfall showers, and generously sized bathtubs.

For even more indulgence, I highly recommend a visit to Ocean Spa. I chose the Absolute Serenity massage (stress melting!) from the refined selection of

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treatments, and capped it off with a Turkish hammam ritual that left my skin baby soft.

FOOD & DRINK: Spago by Wolfgang Puck is an outpost of the famed Austrian chef’s flagship Beverly Hills restaurant.

The menu features signature dishes—such as smoked salmon pizza and spicy ahi tuna tartare in sesame-miso cones—alongside Hungarian classics like goulash soup and Wiener schnitzel. The Duchess, the hotel’s expansive rooftop cocktail bar, presents breathtaking views over the Danube, Elisabeth Bridge, and downtown Budapest. And in May, Cova Milano, under the LVMH brand, opens within the historic Matild Café. This multi-layered culinary experience combines an Italian restaurant, patisserie, and boutique.

WHAT I’LL NEVER FORGET: Staying in the three-story Crown Tower Suite, I felt like a princess in my own palace.

The top floor reveals 360-degree-panoramic views of Budapest, complete with a telescope for admiring the skyline and a balcony that’s the perfect stage for unforgettable sunsets.

Above: Matild Palace's grand lobby. Opposite, from top: the stylish Spago restaurant; the majestic top floor of the Crown Tower Suite.

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qualia, Great Barrier Reef Tucked away on the sun-soaked northern tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, qualia is the epitome of barefoot luxury. The vision of the late Australian winemaker Bob Oatley, whose family owns the island, qualia is a 30-acre haven of tranquility and high-touch amenities. I spent most of my days snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping with the expert activities team. For the ultimate flex, book qualia’s Journey to the Heart experience, a helicopter flight to a private island where you can snorkel in a pristine lagoon alongside the Great Barrier Reef.

THE STAY: qualia’s 60 stone-and-timber accommodations are designed to let the views command the spotlight. The southwestfacing Leeward Pavilions are positioned for epic sunsets, while the larger Windward Pavilions, where I stayed, are prized for their infinity-edge plunge pools. There’s also a private villa for four and a one-bedroom, self-catering pavilion.

FOOD & DRINK: Australian ingredients—many sourced from Queensland—are prepared simply at the casual Long Pavilion, or more elevated at fine-dining Pebble Beach. The latter offers a four-course tasting menu with artful dishes such as Moreton Bay lobster—colloquially known as “bugs” in Australia—topped with sorrel, white asparagus, truffle, and yolk emulsion. Foodies should book one of the hotel’s intimate Conversations with the Sommelier, which pairs grand cru caviar with bubbly from some of the world’s most celebrated champagne houses.

WHAT I’LL NEVER FORGET: It takes a lot to tempt me away from the water, but qualia’s superb spa is well worth a few hours on land. Each of the six treatment rooms feature picture windows that capture island views and the salt breeze. The three-hour Whitsunday Escape treatment erased all remnants of jet lag, reviving me with a bamboo-and-macadamia body exfoliation, warm mud wrap, and tiger’s eye gua sha scalp massage, followed by a full-body massage and hydrating facial.

From top: The open-air Spa qualia; ocean views from a Windward Pavilion.

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Faena New York Argentine hotelier Alan Faena is known for creating overthe-top properties brimming with statement art. Part gallery, part fantasyland, these are places that make you feel as if you’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole into the glamorous Faena universe. His third namesake property in New York’s West Chelsea neighborhood is housed in a twisting Bjarke Ingels-designed high-rise overlooking the High Line. Every space—from the reception area in crimson animal print to the Faena Suite wrapped in gold velvet—bears an unabashedly maximalist stamp.

THE STAY: When I arrived, staff in natty cream suits, capes, and top hats ushered me into the “Cathedral” lobby, where Diego Gravinese’s soaring mural, Ascension, A Sephirotic Journey, commands the space—a gilded spiral staircase rising into the painted cosmos. In contrast to the grandiose common areas, my suite felt like a subdued sanctuary with crisp white linens, Carrara marble bathtubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the Hudson River. I loved having the choice of being cocooned in my room gazing out at the river or stepping into the restaurant and bar’s pulsing social scene.

FOOD & DRINK: At La Boca, chef Francis Mallman, nicknamed “the king of gaucho grilling,” celebrates Faena’s Argentine roots with bold plancha-style cooking. Plush red velvet banquets, fantastical murals, and bespoke chandeliers suspended from a gold-leaf ceiling give the dining room a theatrical cabaret-like energy. The Living Room is the hotel’s Art Deco-inspired social hub with live music and performances, while the intimate La Cava wine cellar hosts private events. For a nightcap, slip into the candlelit-speakeasy El Secreto.

WHAT I’LL NEVER FORGET: One evening at La Boca, the live jazz band and glamorous scene transported me to New York’s golden age. In a world where casual is the norm, it felt special to wear a sequined gown and embrace the restaurant’s dress code of elegant evening attire.

Sublime Stays. Discover exclusive benefits when you reserve your stay with us by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M30089, or call or email us for more.

From top: Dining at La Boca; an Imperial Suite overlooks New York's West Chelsea. Opposite: the scene at the Living room.

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A stately lineup of Moai at Ahu Tongariki on Easter Island.

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UNDER SOUTHERN SKIES

Editor-at-Large Ignacio Maza journeys through Chile’s most extraordinary frontiers, where geography stretches the imagination at every turn.

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First, the obvious.

Chile’s geography is all about extremes: Up north is the world’s highest, driest desert. Out west in the vast Pacific is Easter Island, one of the most isolated inhabited destinations. Chile’s mainland is a 2,700-mile-long narrow ribbon of land running down the west coast of South America. And in the far south is Tierra del Fuego, gateway to Antarctica. Chilean writer Benjamín Subercaseaux called his country’s topography una loca geografía, which translates to “a crazy geography.” Well said.

I recently traveled to the limits of this magical country—through the high desert, the enigmatic island in the Pacific, and the headland at the end of the world—and discovered a place of natural wonders, stillness, and untamed beauty.

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Atacama: the Northern Frontier From the air, the Atacama Desert is an endless ochre-colored carpet, flanked by the majestic Andes and studded with salt flats and the rare oasis. Although parts of the Atacama have had no recorded rain in centuries, indigenous Aymará and Licanantay people have flourished here for millennia, as well as the desert-adapted wildlife including flamingos, guanacos, and soaring condors. Base camp is the town of San Pedro de Atacama, a Pre-Columbian trading post at 8,000 feet above sea level, with colonial architecture and easygoing charm. I stayed at Explora Atacama, located just outside of town and surrounded by working farms. Explora pioneered the concept of all-inclusive luxury adventure resorts in remote locations of South America, setting the standard with modern and stylish lodges rooted in the destination, well-appointed guestrooms, locally sourced menus, heartfelt service, and best of all, an outstanding menu of experiences led by expert guides. At the Atacama property, guests have access to four swimming pools, a spa, horse stables, ample living spaces, and an observatory—the best way to capture the wonder of Atacama’s justly famous night skies.

Clockwise from top, left: Explora Atacama under a starlit sky; the geysers of El Tatio in the Atacama Desert; a vicuña high in the Andes; a river of ice and snow on Tierra del Fuego.

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The Atacama Desert's Valley of the Moon.

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Atacama adventures Every week, Explora Atacama offers 50 adventures and explorations to the salt flats, canyons, altiplano, hot springs, and high Andes.

Guests choose their activity by foot, bike, or horseback based on their interests, fitness levels, and how well they’ve adapted to the altitude. There’s everything from an easy half-day horseback ride to a challenging ascent to the summit of a 20,000-foot-high extinct volcano. My personal favorites? Hiking through the desolate Valley of the Moon and the Cordillera de la Sal mountain range, soaking in the hot springs at Puritama (an Explora exclusive nature reserve), admiring the early-morning geysers at El Tatio, and a full-day adventure to Volcán Blanco—complete with herds of guanacos, a picnic next to a waterfall, and surprise refreshments at journey’s end. Tip: Save one day to wander through San Pedro’s shops and landmarks and to simply experience the lodge. Don’t miss the changing colors of the Licancabur volcano from the terrace at sunset.

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Rapa Nui, aka Easter Island: Easternmost Polynesia The first Europeans to arrive on the island of Rapa Nui were a crew of Dutch seamen led by Admiral Jacob Roggeveen. The island’s name celebrates the date of the discovery: Easter Sunday, 1722. I have wanted to visit the island since childhood. As you might imagine, stepping off the airplane at Mataveri Airport was a dream come true. Rapa Nui, the tiny speck of land in the wide Pacific thousands of miles from mainland Chile and Tahiti, has fascinated and confounded visitors for centuries. The main reason: One thousand Moai—the giant volcanic rock statues depicting notable ancestors—spread all over the island. Why were the statues carved? How were such massive structures transported? Why were they abandoned? There are theories, but no one knows for certain.

Every visitor to Rapa Nui is on a quest for answers. Once again, I trusted Explora with my stay, which exceeded expectations. This is the only resort outside the main town of Hanga Roa, and the property’s all-inclusive formula is well suited to the destination with farm-to-table cuisine, peaceful accommodations with ocean views, a swimming pool, and genuine hospitality.

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The wide range of activities and explorations by land and sea, each one led by a team of resident guides, are the heart and soul of the resort. I followed the north shore trail to Anakena Beach, the site of the original settlement by seafaring Polynesians. I hiked to the edge of the Rano Kau volcano and the Orongo ceremonial village.

I visited the Ahu Ko Te Riku to see the only complete Moai with fully-formed eyes made of coral and scoria rock, and I admired the 15 Moai lined up against the shore at Ahu Tongariki. The main attraction here is Rano Raraku, the quarry that supplied the soft volcanic stone for the vast majority of the Moai and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient Polynesians called Rapa Nui “Te Pito o te Henua,” or the end of the land. I certainly felt I was at an enchanted place during my visit.

Clockwise from top: Explora Rapa Nui; the Ahu Nau Nau statues near Anakena Beach; Rano Kau volcano on Easter Island.

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Tierra del Fuego: Land of Ice & Fire The archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, at the bottom of Patagonia, is a world apart.

This windswept region of snow-capped mountains, rivers of ice, labyrinth of fjords, and boundless beech forests has long astonished and challenged explorers, starting with Magellan in 1520. The island chain is roughly divided in half, with Argentina claiming the eastern end and Chile governing the western and southern regions. There are few roads and little infrastructure in this subpolar corner of South America, so the best way to see the emblematic sites of Tierra del Fuego is by expedition ship. I traveled with Australis, a leader in expedition cruising in this region for over 35 years. Because Australis’ ships are registered in Chile and sail with a Chilean crew, it is the only company that sails deep into the stunning beauty and secluded nature reserves of Tierra del Fuego. Better yet, Australis’ intimate vessels, with shallow drafts and only 100 cabins, allow travelers to explore further and have a richer experience. The lack of internet and television onboard created an atmosphere where we could be immersed in the journey and appreciate each day’s breathtaking panoramas without distraction.

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Exploring U LT I M ATTierra E E X Pdel E RFuego I E N C Ewith S Australis.

My Australis cruise sailed on the Strait of Magellan from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, Argentina. Every day, we chose from a range of shore experiences, from easy to challenging, shorter to longer durations. A few of my own highlights: Sailing Almirantazgo Sound to Ainsworth Bay, followed by a guided hike through old growth forests to reach a lookout point for a glimpse of distant Marinelli Glacier.

Riding a zodiac in front of the massive Glacier Pía, the top attraction in the socalled “Glacier Alley” of the Beagle Channel, then hiking along the edge of the icefield for fresh perspectives of the high peaks looming in the distance. And exploring the untouched beauty of Isla Navarino, the world’s southernmost forest.

On our last day, we sailed to the legendary Cape Horn, known for its deadly storms, fierce waves, and countless shipwrecks. I felt privileged to be at the southern tip of South America, with Antarctica only 600 miles away. I had traveled to the last corner of Chile and reached my journey’s end.

Journey Beyond. Embark on an otherworldly adventure by visiting our agency website found on the back cover and entering OFFER M29895, or call or email us to discover more.

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POSTCARD FROM...

Jazzmine Douse,

Senior Director of National Accounts, AmaWaterways

YOU’RE THE VISIONARY BEHIND AMAWATERWAYS’ SOULFUL EXPERIENCES. WHAT WAS YOUR AHA MOMENT? I started working with AmaWaterways 13 years ago and quickly fell in love with river cruising. Over time, I began to notice something though: When I took a cruise with my mother, we were the only Black travelers onboard. Then one time a local guide asked me, “Why don’t more of you river cruise?” It wasn’t offensive, but it was revealing. It made me realize that the lack of representation was recognized from others, and that river cruising isn’t just for one type of traveler. The rivers of the world are filled with history connected to the Black and African diaspora. The stories have always been there, we just needed to highlight them with intention.

SO WHAT CAME NEXT? As I earned trust inside the organization, I had the opportunity to raise my hand and ask, “What if we told these stories differently?” At the same time, we were hearing from travel advisors who loved AmaWaterways but wanted something that resonated more deeply with their clients. Soulful Experiences came from that intersection. It wasn’t about separating travelers, but rather about being intentional in creating space, and sharing stories that are part of the destinations. It was about making sure more travelers felt seen in a luxury space that already existed.

CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE SOULFUL EXPERIENCE? Picture this: You wake up in a new city ... maybe it’s Amsterdam.

But instead of the standard canal cruise, we experience the canals through a Black heritage lens. Same beautiful waterways, but different storytelling. You’re learning about the African 80

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diaspora’s role in shaping the city, an important part of history that rarely gets center stage. People are asking questions, nodding their heads, and side conversations begin. You come back to the ship and it feels like, “Okay, we just experienced something.” Later, dinner might feature our Juneteenth-inspired menu curated by Chef Alexander Smalls. You’re not just dining, you’re experiencing the soul of the culture through its flavors!

WHAT DESTINATIONS ARE ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST? Australia is high on my list, specifically for the Indigenous culture and the connection to the land. I’m really drawn to their deep respect for ancestry and heritage. And Senegal! That one is personal for me, as I have ancestry there, so I imagine it would feel more like a true homecoming.

From top: Jazzmine Douse on the Rhône River in France; exploring Egypt.

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